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How to Evaluate Journal Articles

The chart below provides key elements to assist you in evaluating a journal article.

Purpose of the Article: Why was the article written?

To persuade?

To inform?

To prove something?

Type of Journal: For college level research

Information should be obtained mostly from scholarly journals.

‐Scholarly Journals – contain articles describing highquality research that has been reviewed by expertsin the field.‐Trade Magazines – may be useful for topics inbusiness or where economic data is needed. Theyare also good for learning what current “hot topics”are in an area.‐Popular Magazine – Should be used sparingly, ornot at all.

Organization & Content

‐Is the material organized and focused?‐Is the argument or presentation understandable?‐Is this original research, a review of previousresearch, or an informative piece?

Bias: Some publications have an inherent biasthat will impact articles printed in them.

Is the journal:Left/Liberal?Right/Conservative?Center?An alternative press?Published by a political action (PAC) group?

Date of Article: Know the time needs of yourtopic and examine the timeliness of the articles.

Is the article:Up‐to‐date,Out‐of‐date,Timeless?

Bibliography: Scholarly works always contain abibliography of resources that were consulted.This reference list should be in sufficientquantity and appropriate for the content.

Look for:‐If the bibliography exists,‐If the bibliography is short or long,‐If the bibliography is selective or comprehensive,‐If the references are primary sources (ex. Journalarticles) or only secondary sources (ex.Encyclopedias),‐If the citation style is clear and consistent.

Usefulness: Is the article relevant to the currentresearch project?

If it is a useful article does it:‐Support an argument‐Refute an argument‐Give examples (survey results, primary researchfinding, case studies)‐Provide “wrong” information that can bechallenged or disagreed with productively